It really is a stark scene.
Jesus, the one who had been healing, teaching, and speaking compassion, is now arrested. A large crowd with swords and clubs come to try and intimidate him (and his disciples) into submission. They needn’t do so. Jesus didn’t come to fight.
In fact, even when his disciple pulled a sword in defense, the righteous teaching of Christ continued: Use the sword…die by the sword.
The disciples scatter like cockroaches.
End scene.
Matthew 26:47-56
While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, came. With him was a large crowd carrying swords and clubs. They had been sent by the chief priests and elders of the people. His betrayer had given them a sign: “Arrest the man I kiss.” Just then he came to Jesus and said, “Hello, Rabbi.” Then he kissed him.
But Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came and grabbed Jesus and arrested him.
One of those with Jesus reached for his sword. Striking the high priest’s slave, he cut off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put the sword back into its place. All those who use the sword will die by the sword. Or do you think that I’m not able to ask my Father and he will send to me more than twelve battle groups of angels right away? But if I did that, how would the scriptures be fulfilled that say this must happen?” Then Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come with swords and clubs to arrest me, like a thief? Day after day, I sat in the temple teaching, but you didn’t arrest me. But all this has happened so that what the prophets said in the scriptures might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left Jesus and ran away.
Prayer
God,
What do we do when times get rough? I’m not talking about a flat tire or week-long sickness or anything like that, but when all that we believe in seems to be come against by a throng of rabble-rousers. Will I scatter like the twelve disciples?
It’s not quite like that right now, but I do wonder what I will do.
So help me, God: Give me eyes always for the least powerful. Help me to act on their behalf. Like Jesus.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.